Barrett sworn in for third term as Milwaukee mayor

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MILWAUKEE -- Tom Barrett was sworn in for his third term as Milwaukee mayor Tuesday morning, April 17th. The Milwaukee Common Council and other elected officials were also sworn in at City Hall.

Barrett was first elected in 2004, re-elected in 2008, and cruised past another re-election bid earlier this month. "My focus will continue to be what it has been, and that is on creating jobs and retaining jobs," Barrett said during the inauguration ceremony.

At the same time, Barrett is also running for governor in Wisconsin's recall election to oust Republican Governor Scott Walker. "It really won't interfere with my duties here because the primary election is only three weeks from today on May 8, and the general election is June 5, so I'll be able to set things up and obviously, having done this before, it's work that I'm familiar with," Barrett said.

The Milwaukee Common Council re-elected Willie Hines as Common Council President for a third term. Hines will become "Acting Mayor" if Barrett is elected governor. He was re-elected as Common Council President by a unanimous 15 votes. "Of course I am very aware of that process. I want to do everything we can to at least make the committee assignments, so I don't want to get there yet," Hines said regarding the possibility he could become acting mayor.

15 Common Council members also took the ceremonial oath Tuesday, as well as the City Treasurer and City Comptroller. There is only one newly elected council member this term -- Jose Perez from the city's south side. Perez beat incumbent alderman Jim Witkowiak in the April election. "I want to get to know my colleagues and understand the Common Council process. With that in mind, put to work some good things in the community," Perez said.

Jim Lazarski was elected as the new City Clerk by a unanimous 15 votes. Lazarski will be replacing Ron Leonhardt, who is retiring after 22 years in that office.